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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Easy Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce

Published: Nov 23, 2020 · Modified: Nov 16, 2021 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This quick and easy homemade cranberry orange sauce features just a few simple ingredients, but the flavor is amazing! It's perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner and holiday meals.

A large serving bowl of cranberry orange sauce topped with fresh orange zest.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients for the BEST cranberry sauce
  • How to make homemade cranberry sauce
  • Make ahead
  • Optional variations
  • 📖 Recipe
  • You may also like

Homemade cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries is so quick and easy to make, and so much better than the canned stuff. This version is flavored with orange juice and zest to help balance the tart flavor of the cranberries and sweetness of the sugar.

If you need to bring a side dish to a potluck Thanksgiving, this is the one to pick! You won't have to worry about keeping the dish warm or reheating when you arrive. And it can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

Ingredients for the BEST cranberry sauce

  • 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries
  • Juice and zest of 1 large orange (around ¼ cup of juice)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
Ingredients for cranberry sauce arranged on a counter.

How to make homemade cranberry sauce

  1. This homemade cranberry orange sauce couldn't be easier to make. Just combine the orange juice, zest, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat then stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  2. Once the sugar has dissolved add in the cranberries and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture is thickened.
  3. Let the sauce cool completely to room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Make ahead

The cranberry sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Overhead view of finished cranberry sauce served in a white bowl and topped with orange zest.

Optional variations

  • Spiced Cranberry Sauce - If you like a spiced cranberry sauce, you can also toss in a cinnamon stick when you add the cranberries to the simmering liquid. Once the sauce has cooled remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
  • Smooth Cranberry Sauce - If you want a smooth cranberry sauce without the skins, you can remove them after cooking. The best way to remove the cranberry skins is to press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer using a wooden spoon and discard the skins.
  • Cranberry Apple Chutney - If you like apples in your cranberry sauce, add in a peeled and diced apple when adding in the cranberries. Chopped pecans are another great addition with the apples for a crunchy texture.

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Homemade cranberry sauce served in a white bowl and topped with orange zest.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce is a quick and easy Thanksgiving classic.
Author: Scott
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 74kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large orange, zest and juice , around ¼ cup juice
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries

Instructions

  • Combine the orange zest, juice, sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves then add the cranberries. Simmer until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture has thickened, around 10 -15 minutes.
  • Let the sauce cool completely to room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Notes

Spiced cranberry sauce: You can add a cinnamon stick to the mixture when you add the cranberries if you prefer some spice. When finished remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Smooth cranberry sauce: If you prefer cranberry sauce without skin, press the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl using a wooden spoon and discard the skins.

Nutrition

Calories: 74kcalCarbohydrates: 18gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 16mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

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About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! I'm a former professional cook and an experienced home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

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